Pipe Supports:

There are a number of typical pipe supports that can be installed to support dead weight loads, and restrain the pipe for thermal and dynamic loads. While some typical supports are shown in these pictures, the designs are only limited by the imagination of the engineer and designer, as literally thousands of different designs have been used for special purposes. There is often confusion created by mis-communication about types of supports between engineers, designers and the field. Following are the proper definitions that should be used. If there is any confusion in communication, assure that each person is thinking the same type of support when the term hanger, spring, anchor, etc is used. Pipe Support: Global classification of all pipe supports and restraints. Hanger: A vertical pipe support that incorporates a rod. It may be a rigid, variable spring or constant support Hanger. Hanger is a term that often means quite different things to different people. Variable spring support: Often called a variable spring hanger (VSH) by the suppliers. A helical coil that supports dead weight load. The support load changes as the spring moves through its range at a specified spring rate. This support can be a hanger above the pipe, or a floor support below the pipe. Constant support hanger: A specially engineered hanger that is designed to travel through many inches of vertical travel with a minimum change in support load. There are different styles and types depending on the manufacturers. Per MSS SP-58 a constant support hanger can be within specification and still have a load variation of plus minus 6% through the travel range. Some suppliers claim a tighter tolerance on the load variation. Rigid: Any type of support designed to allow no movement in at least one direction. Rigid Hanger: A hanger with a rod support. Anchor: A rigid support that restricts movement in all three orthogonal directions and all three rotational directions. This usually is a welded stanchion that is welded or bolted to steel or concrete. Axial restraint: A support designed to restrict movement down the centre line of the pipe. This is usually reserved to reference a horizontal pipe restraint. Lateral Restraint (synonymous with Guide): A support designed to restrict movement of the pipe in a direction perpendicular to the pipe axis. Hydraulic Snubber: A support with a piston and hydraulic reservoir designed to restrict dynamic movement, but allows nearly free movement due to thermal loads. Mechanical Snubber: A support designed to restrict dynamic pipe movement by a mechanical device internal to the snubber. Mechanical snubbers were prone to failure that restricted pipe movement, and they are rarely found in use anymore. Sway Brace: A variable spring designed to have no load in the centre of the springs and restricts movement in either direction from the spring centre line. Limit stop: A restraint in any direction that allows a defined movement before acting as rigid restraint. Stanchion: A pipe support made of pipe that is welded to the pipe to be supported. Usually installed below a horizontal pipe.

Dummy leg: A Stanchion support attached to an elbow on a horizontal pipe. Commonly used on pipe in pipe racks to extend the support point to existing rack steel. There are a myriad of methods of combining supports, such as a dummy leg with a rigid rod hanger, or an axial limit stop with a lateral restraint, etc. As noted previously, whatever supports are assumed in an analysis, they must be included in the actual design.